Despite the Chargers’ 4-2 record, certain areas need some adjustments for the team to succeed down the season’s final stretch.
The most evident is the run defense, as Los Angeles has been gashed on the ground every week.
L.A. has given up over 150 yards in five of six games this season, with 400 rushing yards and six touchdowns coming from the Browns and Ravens the past two outings.
On Monday, at media availability, head coach Brandon Staley was asked about the issues in the department and how they could be improved. But, instead of pointing to the personnel, he blamed himself for the deficiencies.
“Our front mechanics and technique at the first level need to improve, and where it needs to improve is with me,” Staley said. “I need to do a better job coaching because our players will play better if we define things better.
We played three premium running teams that exposed those tough moments for us. So like I said, you can look at me for why it didn’t go well enough. We’ve made some good corrections over the last week or so, and I’m excited to get it going with our guys.”
While Staley’s defense is predicated on limiting explosive plays through the air, which he has done a great job of, the weakness against the run began starting to hamper the team as a whole against Baltimore, who totaled 187 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
One of the primary reasons the Chargers have been susceptible on the ground lies along the defensive line. Interior defenders have not been able to take on blocks efficiently, and with them getting pushed off the line of the scrimmage, massive holes have been created.
Plenty of that has to do with the lack of talent in the trenches. However, the group could be getting a boost this weekend with the likely return of Justin Jones, who was designated to return from the injured reserve.
Jones should aid this area, but he will still need assistance from his fellow teammates to get on the right track. Therefore, the second and third levels need to take proper angles to the football, stay off blockers and be low-man-wins tacklers with stopping power.
The Patriots do not have a prominent rushing offense, only averaging 95.4 yards per game. However, it would not be a surprise if offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels resorts to it in hopes of exploiting the Chargers’ shortcoming.
